Mark Shanks

Traffic Officer

National Express is an organisation that really backs you. I was a driver here and I enjoyed it immensely, but when I felt like a new challenge, I was really helped to get where I wanted to go.

It isn't just the technical training that's high-quality here - the soft skills training is top notch too. This helped me tons when I made my move into this side of the business. As a Traffic Officer, it's my job to organise things for the Hoppa drivers at Heathrow. I look after 200+ drivers - ensuring they get paid, their holidays are logged and much more besides. I also handle the legal stuff, making sure all drivers stay within the driving hours limits. It's a very varied set of responsibilities.

Because the Hoppa service transports people to and from the airport hotels, I also liaise with hotel managers and staff, ironing out issues, making sure the service is efficient etc.

Each day you come in, you never know what the day will throw at you. You might have five or six things on your list, and then, out of nowhere comes an issue you have to deal with and your whole day changes. You've got to be alert in this job, but you also know there's a great team around you who will help you if you need it. They're a great bunch here, and the team spirit is something I value.